The spelling of the phrase "struggles along" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet, or IPA. In this phrase, the "s" sounds like /s/, the "t" sounds like /t/, the "r" sounds like /ɹ/, the "u" sounds like /ʌ/, the "g" sounds like /ɡ/, the "l" sounds like /l/, the "e" sounds like /ɪ/, and the final "s" sounds like /z/. The combination of these sounds creates the phrase "struggles along," which means to make slow and difficult progress.
The phrase "struggles along" can be defined as a descriptive expression depicting the act of making slow or difficult progress, often while battling obstacles or challenges. It can be used to describe both physical movement and metaphorical endeavors.
In a literal sense, "struggles along" may refer to someone or something moving with great effort or experiencing difficulty in forward motion. For instance, it can describe a person who is hobbled or injured, laboring to walk or navigate a challenging terrain. Similarly, it can portray a vehicle attempting to move slowly or with diminishing efficiency, such as an old car struggling along a steep incline.
Metaphorically, the phrase conveys the idea of someone facing or dealing with obstacles or adversities while trying to achieve a goal or progress in life. It implies that the person encounters numerous setbacks or difficulties that impede their advancement, yet they continue to persist or persevere. This phrase is often applied to depict the daily struggles people face in various aspects of life, such as in relationships, careers, or personal growth.
Overall, "struggles along" encompasses the notion of encountering hardship, making painstaking progress, and persisting despite challenges. It captures the essence of a persistent effort or slow advancement, whether in a physical or metaphorical context.
The etymology of the phrase "struggles along" can be understood by examining the origins of its constituent words.1. Struggle: The word "struggle" originated from the Middle English word "strugglen", which came from the Old French word "estraguler" meaning "to contend, fight". The Old French word ultimately derived from the Latin word "strangulare", meaning "to choke". Over time, the meaning of "struggle" broadened to include the sense of exerting force or effort in a difficult or challenging situation.2. Along: The word "along" originated from the Middle English phrase "a long" or "on long", which meant "together, forward, onward". The phrase was a combination of the preposition "a" meaning "on" and the noun "long" meaning "length". Eventually, these two words merged and simplified to form the word "along".